ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Minority Affairs
Schemes Implemented by Ministry of Minority Affairs in Rural Areas
The Government has implemented various schemes for the welfare and upliftment of every strata, including minorities, specially the economically weaker and lesser privileged sections of the society, through various schemes of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Ministry of Textiles, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Women and Child Development and Ministry of Rural Development.
Ministry of Minority Affairs specifically implements various schemes across the country for socio-economic and educational empowerment of the six  centrally notified minority communities. The schemes/programmes implemented by the Ministry in brief are as under :
 Educational Empowerment Schemes
 Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme
 Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme
 Merit-cum-Means based Scholarship Scheme
 Maulana Azad National Fellowship Scheme
 Padho Pardesh
 Employment and Economic Empowerment Schemes
 Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan
 Equity to National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation  for providing concessional loans to minorities.
 Special Schemes
 Jiyo Parsi: A scheme for reversing the population decline of Parsis in India.
 Qaumi Waqf Board Taraqqiati Scheme  and Shahari Waqf Sampatti Vikas Yojana  .
 Infrastructure Development Schemes
 Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram 
The details of all the above mentioned schemes are available on the website of the Ministry i.e. www.minorityaffairs.gov.in.
Total number of 444 workshops/seminars/conferences have been approved all over India, including rural areas during last five years under the scheme of Research/ Studies, Monitoring and Evaluation of Development Schemes including Publicity. In addition, under the USTTAD scheme 110 workshops have been conducted for artisans across various states including rural areas.
The Government has taken up multi-media campaign for spreading awareness on welfare schemes meant for minorities through print and electronic media, All India Radio Network including FM Channels, and websites all over the country. Effective use of social media has also been made to promote the present schemes. Regional Coordination & Review Conferences are also held with State Governments from time to time physically and through Video Conferencing where, inter-alia, information about the Ministry’s schemes is provided. This helps to further promote the schemes through the machinery of the State Governments, leading to increased beneficiary participation.
The details of the schemes and achievements of the schemes during the last three years are available on the website of the Ministry i.e. www.minorityaffairs.gov.in.
This information was given by the Minister of Minority Affairs, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Railways
Ministry of Railways takes an important decision to ease procurement norms and improve ease of doing business.
A Vendor, approved for an item by any of the Vendor Approving Agency of Indian Railways shall be considered as Approved vendor by all Railway Units in the country for that particular item.
This decision will impact vendors favorably as it will save time and do away the need of approaching multiple vendor approving agencies
Indian Railway, in a series of its continuous endeavors in enhancing transparency, efficiency and ease of doing business in all its activities, has taken one more important step to ease the procurement system in the network. As per extant procurement norms of Indian Railways, identified Safety and Critical items where quality is of paramount importance, are procured from Vendors approved by its nominated vendor approving agencies for the item.
Recently decision has been taken that a Vendor, approved for an item by any of the Vendor Approving Agency of Indian Railways shall be considered as Approved vendor by all Railway Units for that particular item.
This decision shall not only save the time and effort of vendors significantly doing away with need of approaching multiple vendor approving agencies for participating in tenders of all Railway units but also increase the competition in public procurement making it more economical and efficient.
This shall also promote better utilization of manufacturing capacity of Industry in India, helping the cause of “Make in India.”
Previously vendor approved at one establishment was not automatically eligible to be considered for procurement at other establishments and they had to apply for approval at multiple establishments to get considered. Now even the Railways would have more options to choose from in a transparent manner.DJN/SG/MKV
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Prime Minister's Office
PM congratulates beneficiaries of PM-FBY on completion of 5 years
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated all the beneficiaries of PM Fasal Bima Yojana on completion of 5 years.
In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said, "An important initiative to secure hardworking farmers from the vagaries of nature, PM Fasal Bima Yojana completes 5 years today. The Yojana has increased coverage, mitigated risk & benefitted crores of farmers. I congratulate all beneficiaries of the scheme.
How has PM Fasal Bima Yojana ensured greater benefit to farmers?
How has transparency been furthered in settlement of claims?
These, and other aspects relating to PM-FBY have been answered through innovative content on the NaMo App’s Your Voice Section."
President's Secretariat
President of India’s Greetings on the eve of Ganesh Chaturthi
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind in his message on the eve of Ganesh Chaturthi has said:-
“On the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, I extend my best wishes and heartiest congratulations to all fellow citizens living in India and abroad.
The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha, is an expression of people’s enthusiasm, joy and forbearance in taking every section of the society along on this occasion.
At present we are facing the challenges posed by Covid-19 pandemic. I hope and pray that Lord Ganesha bless us all to overcome this pandemic at the earliest possible and we all live a happy and healthy life.
On this festival, let us pledge to strengthen the mutual harmony, fraternity and unity among all citizens of the country.”
Click here to see President's Message in Hindi
Ministry of Finance
Major Steps taken for Reducing Tax Litigations
In order to reduce the long pending grievances of taxpayers and to minimise litigations pertaining to tax matters and to facilitate the Ease of Doing Business, Government of India has decided to increase the threshold monetary limits for filing Departmental Appeals at various levels, be it Appellate Tribunals, High Courts and the Supreme Court in the following manner :-
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Sl. No.
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Appeal Fora
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Present limit for filing appeal

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Enhanced limit

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1.
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ITAT / CESTAT
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10 lakhs
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20 lakhs
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2.
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High Courts
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20 lakhs
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50 lakhs
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3.
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Supreme Court
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25 lakhs
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1 Crore
This is a major step in the direction of litigation management of both direct and indirect taxes as it will effectively reduce minor litigations and help the Department to focus on high value litigations.
In case of CBDT, out of total cases filed by the Department in ITAT, 34% of cases will be withdrawn. In case of High Courts, 48% of cases will be withdrawn and in case of Supreme Court 54% of cases will be withdrawn. The total percentage of reduction of litigation from Department’s side will get reduced by 41%. However, this will not apply in such cases where substantial point of law is involved.
Similarly, in case of CBIC, out of total cases filed by the Department in CESTAT, 16% of cases will be withdrawn. In case of High Courts, 22% of cases will be withdrawn and in case of Supreme Court 21% of cases will be withdrawn. The total percentage of reduction of litigation from Department’s side will get reduced by 18%. However, this will not apply in such cases where substantial point of law is involved.
This step will also reduce future litigation flow from the Department side.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Shri Kiren Rijiju announces Ripu Daman Bevli as Plogging Ambassador of India on 50th Fit India Plogging Run
Fit India Plogging Run, which was launched on October 2, 2019, concluded today in Delhi’s Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium, having covered 50 cities across the country.
During the event, Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Shri Kiren Rijiju felicitated Ripu Daman Bevli, popularly known as the Plogman of India and named him the Plogging Ambassador of India. The minister also launched the nation-wide Plogging Ambassador Mission under which, Indians who have been running and cleaning their cities, towns or districts, will be nominated as Plogging Ambassadors of their region.
Plog Run is a unique way of picking up garbage while jogging and was added to the Fit India Movement as a unique way of combining cleanliness and fitness. Bevli, who started plogging in 2017, started the Fit India Plogging Run with the aim to make India litter-free. Belvi and his team have cleaned up 50 cities and covered over 1000km in about 2 months, collecting 2.7 tonnes of garbage.
Talking about the success of Fit India Plogging Run, Shri KirenRijiju said, “The plog run is an amazing thing that started in India and I must thank Ripu Daman for taking the lead role. I feel cleaning is everyone’s job and plogging run makes cleaning glamorous and attractive for the youth. You are jogging and picking up the trash while doing it. So, you are doing something for your fitness as well as for cleanliness of your surroundings. Plogging Run combines the Fit India Movement and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.”
In the first Fit India Plogging Run held on October 2, 2019, over 36 lakh people participated in over 62,000 locations across the country. This was organised with the combined efforts of Sports Authority of India, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan , National Service Scheme , NGOs, KendriyaVidalaya and several other organizations joining in.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
203.21 cr Total Vaccine doses  have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
42,20,625 doses administered in last 24 hours
India's Active caseload currently stands at 1,46,323
Active cases stand at 0.33%
Recovery Rate currently at 98.47%
19,216 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to 4,32,86,787
20,557 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
Daily positivity rate 
Weekly Positivity Rate 
87.40 cr Total Tests conducted so far; 3,96,783 tests conducted in the last 24 hours
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Shri Mansukh Mandaviya participates in the Round-table of UNAIDS on the theme “Access for all: Leveraging Innovations, Investments and Partnerships for Health”
Innovative Technologies and Solutions can play a key role in bridging Economic Inequalities: Shri Mansukh Mandaviya
The Union Minister of State for Shipping  and Chemical & Fertilizers Shri Mansukh Mandaviya today participated in the High-level roundtable of UNAIDS  on the theme Access for all: Leveraging Innovations, Investments and Partnerships for Health at World Economic Forum at Davos, Switzerland.
In a one-hour long discussion Shri Mandaviya stated that, “Health needs to be accessible for all and innovative technologies and solutions can play a key role, including in bridging economic inequalities”. Shri Mandaviya is on a Four-day official visit to Davos to attend World Economic Forum.
The Minister of State for Shipping  and Chemical & Fertilizers Shri Mansukh Mandaviya attended the High-level roundtable of UNAIDS  at World Economic Forum at Davos, Switzerland today.
Shri Mansukh Mandaviya in the High-level roundtable discussed about what Government of India has done for Health Access to All in the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He mentioned various schemes initiated by Government of India for ‘Creating a Healthy India’. He deliberated about the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana  - the largest healthcare programme in the world and Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana – to provide affordable quality medicines for all.
Earlier in 2015, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya had delivered his key-note address in United Nations on “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. In his address he mentioned how Government of India is changing the scenario of health-sector, and the policy changes driven by Government for Affordable and Quality Health Access to All.
UNAIDS provides the strategic direction, advocacy, coordination and technical support needed to catalyse and connect leadership from governments, the private sector and communities to deliver life-saving HIV services. UNAIDS is leading the global effort to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Cabinet Committee Decisions
Cabinet approves setting up of the 15thFinance Commission
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the setting up of the 15thFinance Commission. Under Article 280  of the Constitution,it is a Constitutional obligation. The Terms of Reference for the 15thFinance Commission will be notified in due course of time.
Background:
Article 280 of the Constitution lays down that a Finance Commission  should be constituted "...within two years from the commencement of this Constitution and thereafter at the expiration of every fifth year or at such earlier time as the President considers necessary...".In keeping with this requirement, the practice has generally been to set up next Finance Commission within five years of the date of setting up of the previous Finance Commission.
Fourteen Finance Commissions have been constituted in the past. The 14thFinance Commission was set up on 02.01.2013 to make recommendations covering the period of five years commencing on 1st April, 2015. The Commission submitted its Report on 15th December, 2014. The recommendations of the 14thFinance Commission are valid upto the financial year 2019-20. In terms of Constitutional provisions, setting up the 15thFinance Commission, the recommendations of which will cover the five years commencing on April 1, 2020, has now become due.
Ministry of Railways
Indian Railways ensures supply chain fully functional for power, transport and key infrastructure sectors during the COVID-19 lockdown
From 23rd March to 3rd April 2020, Railways has transported more than 2.5 lakh wagons of coal and 17742 wagons of petroleum products
Due to relentless operations of Railways, all power plants and Petroleum depots have comfortable stock with them inspite of COVID 19 lock down
Inspite of lockdown related challenges, Railway staff keeps delivering the results against all odds
Indian Railways has been fulfilling its commitment to ensure availability of important raw material and fuel through its freight services to meet the requirements of the power transport and key infrastructure sectors during the nationwide lock down due to COVID-19. During the situation of lockdown, Indian Railways staff deployed at various good sheds, stations and control offices continued working with full devotion to ensure that the supply of essential items for these critical sectors does not gets affected.
Due to relentless operations of Railways,all power plants and Petroleum depots have comfortable stock with them inspite of COVID 19 lock down .
During last 12 days from 23rd March to 3rd April 2020, Railways loaded and carried 250020 wagons of coal, and 17742 wagons of petroleum products . Details are as follows:
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Sl.
No.
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Date
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No. of wagons of
coal
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No. of wagons of petroleum products
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1.
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23.03.2020
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22473
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2322
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2.
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24.03.2020
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24207
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1774
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3.
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25.03.2020
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20418
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1704
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4.
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26.03.2020
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20784
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1724
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5.
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27.03.2020
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20488
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1492
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6.
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28.03.2020
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20519
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1270
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7.
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29.03.2020
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20904
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1277
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8.
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30.03.2020
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21628
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1414
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9.
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31.03.2020
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28861
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1292
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10.
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01.04.2020
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14078
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1132
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11.
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02.04.2020
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18186
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1178
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12.
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03.04.2020
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17474
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1163
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Total
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250020
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17742
To monitor the uninterrupted movement of materials fuelling the power, transport and infrastructure sectors and other essential commodities over Indian Railways, an emergency freight control centre is working in the Ministry of Railways. Freight movement is being closely monitored by officials at very senior level. Issues which were earlier being faced by Railways at many terminal points in loading and unloading operations are being effectively resolved. Indian Railways along with Ministry of Home affairs is keeping in touch with State Governments to sort out any such operational issue if they arise.
PIB Headquarters
First flight under Vande Bharat Mission to Kannur from Dubai will reach today
The first flight under Vande Bharat Mission to Kannur from Dubai will reach at Kannur International Airport today.All the arrangements have been made for the primary check up and quarrentin, said KIAL officials.
District administration, health department and police have joined together for all the necessary arrangements.All the employees of the airport who come in contact with the passengers will have PPE kit.A total of 180 passengers will be landing at Kannur International airport today.
Out of this 109 are from Kannur district.47 from Kasargod and 12 are from Kozhikode district.KSRC busses will be arranged for transporting the passengers to neighbouring districts.Arrangements are made in Kannur Sports Hostel and Hotels for quarrentining the passengers from the district.
(80 persons are in quarantine right now in Kannur district .Among them 39 persons came through Kozhikode, Kochi airports and 41 in INS Jalaswa, which reached at Kochi from Maldives.
Ministry of Railways
The Central Organisation for Modernisation of Workshops  achieved best ever performance in the year 2018
COFMOW obtained an output of Rs. 1050.85 crores in the current year 2018-19
The Central Organisation for Modernisation of Workshops  is Indian Railways’ centre of excellence for procurement of modern and advanced machine tools, building ‘State of the Art’ rolling stock maintenance and manufacturing facilities for modernizing Indian Railway workshops. The Unit has achieved best ever performance of Rs. 1050.85 crores output during the year 2018-19, up to 15th January, 2019. Performance for machinery procurement and rolling stock works is Rs. 634.14 crores and Rs. 416.71 crores respectively, which represents an increase of 97% and 128% respectively as compared to the last year.
Timely procurement of modern M&P and completion of works has been given a big boost during the last quarter which will significantly improve the outcome by use of technology. This will support Indian Railways drive for modernization of its rolling stock manufacturing and maintenance infrastructure, and soon, to come in terms of the National Policy for Advance Manufacturing  and Industry 4.0.
Special Service and Features
Philatelic Bureau released Collector’s Pack for 2019 & 2020
India Post issues postage stamps on varied themes every year. It’s the goal of India Post to make school children to take up the hobby of stamp collection and thereby gain knowledge through it. In addition, Philatelists who had open Philately Deposit Accounts in the middle of the years are in need of set of Stamps released before their opening of Accounts. Besides, some more Philatelists are in want to Stamps as a collection of year Pack i.e Collector’s Pack. To quench the thirst of the Philatelists, Philatelic Bureau, Anna Road HPO has released the Collector’s Pack for the year 2019 and 2020 on 22/03/2021 at 16.30 hours.
The Collector’s Pack for the year 2019 & 2020 has been released by Shri. B.Selvakumar, Chief Postmaster General, Tamil Nadu Circle, Chennai and received by the Smt Sumathi Ravichandran, Postmaster General, Chennai City Region.
The Cost of Collectors Pack 2019 is Rs. 1350/-  and for 2020 is Rs. 420/- . Customers may get benefited by purchasing them and can provide as Special Gift to their Children so as to inculcate the hobby of stamp collection among them. The sale of the packs will be on first come first serve basis.
This is stated in a press release issued by the Chief Postmaster, Anna Road HPO, Chennai 600 002.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Amitabh Bachchan Retrospective Opens at Kala Academy
Shri Amitabh Bachchan inaugurated the Dadasaheb Phalke Award retrospective organised at Kala Academy in connection with the 50th International Film Festival of India today in Goa. This year, the 50th edition of IFFI is showcasing a retrospective of Amitabh Bachchan as he was honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke award this year. IFFI 2019 will showcase 6 of the best films by Amitabh Bachchan in a separate section honoring the star’s achievement.
Speaking at the launch, Shri Bachchan said, “I feel deeply humbled and would thank the Government of India for this prestigious award. I’ve always felt that I’m not deserving of such recognition but I humbly accept this with a lot of grace and affection”.
On the golden jubilee edition of IFFI he said, “This is the 50th edition of IFFI and I compliment the Government of India and IFFI for conducting themselves in such a wonderful manner. Each year we find a growth in the number of delegates and the choice of films giving us the opportunity to see the works and creativity from different parts of the world.”
Calling cinema a universal medium Shri Bachchan added that films are beyond the borders of language. “When we sit inside a dark hall we never ask the caste, creed, colour of the person sitting next to us. We enjoy the same film, laugh at the same jokes and cry at the same emotions,” he said.
He warned that there are few mediums left like cinema in this fast paced disintegrating world that can claim such integration. He expressed hope that we continue to make films that will bring people together.
The veteran actor also called for disintegration of the rather odd system of keeping sides due to colours, caste and religion. “We should bring us together in one community, hold hands together to appreciate the creativity and take a step forward to make this world a peaceful place,” he exhorted.
Bachchan who has a close connection to Goa fondly recalled shooting his first film here. He said, “Coming to Goa has always been like coming home and I’ve had many wonderful opportunities to work in this place and receive the hospitality from the people of Goa during our various stints of shooting.”
While Paa will be the opening film, the other films that are being screened in the Retrospective section are Sholay, Deewar, Black, Piku and Badla.
ED/NS/MR/BSN
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